How can you determine the sex of a fetal pig during dissection?
To determine the sex of a fetal pig during dissection, look for a scrotal sac and a urogenital opening near the umbilical cord in males. In females, identify a genital papilla near the anal opening.
During the dissection of a fetal pig, the sex can be determined by examining specific anatomical features. In male fetal pigs, there is a scrotal sac located in the pelvic region between the hind legs, and a urogenital opening is found just caudal to the umbilical cord. Additionally, the penis can be palpated as a muscular tubular structure under the skin along the midline. In contrast, female fetal pigs have a small fleshy genital papilla projecting from the urogenital opening, which is situated immediately ventral to the anal opening. These differences allow for the identification of the sex of the specimen before proceeding with further dissection.
Key points
- Male fetal pigs have a scrotal sac between the hind legs.
- Male urogenital opening is just caudal to the umbilical cord.
- The penis in males can be palpated under the skin along the midline.
- Female fetal pigs have a genital papilla near the anal opening.
- These anatomical features help determine the sex of the fetal pig.
a-photographic-atlas-for-the-anatomy-and-physiology-laboratory-seventh-edition
Kent M. Van De Graaff
Seventh EDITION · Morton Publishing Company